Prime Video is no stranger to the original content churn, and while the streamer pumps out less than Netflix each year, it still manages to provide a steady mix across genres. Its latest addition, “Maintenance Required,” falls squarely into the comfort-watch category. This romantic comedy pairs Madelaine Petsch and Jacob Scipio as unlikely rivals who connect online without realizing they’re enemies in real life.
The movie blends workplace drama and slow-burn attraction into one simple package, something I’m not afraid to admit I enjoy as long as there’s enough sizzling chemistry between the leads.
Sitting at No. 2 on the streamer’s top 10 list, just behind Mark Wahlberg’s action-thriller “Play Dirty,” this romantic comedy has all the ingredients of an easy watch especially given its immediate jump near the top of Prime Video’s charts. Not to mention, it only dropped yesterday (October 8).
If you’ve seen “Maintenance Required” pop up on Prime Video, here’s everything to know about the new rom-com and whether it’s worth adding to your watchlist.
What is ‘Maintenance Required’ about?
Charlie (Madelaine Petsch) owns an all-female mechanic shop and is blindsided when a slick, corporate competitor opens just across the street, threatening her livelihood. Struggling to cope, she begins sharing her fears and frustrations with an anonymous admirer in an online car forum, never knowing that her digital confidant is actually Beau (Jacob Scipio), the same man behind the rival business.
As Charlie and Beau’s bond deepens through their chats, tensions escalate in their real-world encounters, where they’re locked in a battle over customers and reputation. Charlie must decide whether she can forgive what Beau withheld and whether their spark is enough to bridge the divide between business and romance.
Should you stream ‘Maintenance Required’ on Prime Video?
“Maintenance Required” might be one of the most familiar-feeling rom-coms ever made, yet there’s something oddly charming about it. It’s the kind of movie that starts to wobble the more you overthink it, but somehow stays enjoyable when you just let it roll.
Maybe it’s the easy chemistry between the leads that just works. Maybe it’s the light, unforced humor, which is actually refreshing in a genre that often tries too hard. Most of all, it’s the comforting predictability of a movie that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t try to be anything more. Whatever the reason, “Maintenance Required” ends up surprisingly watchable, though expect to roll your eyes more than once along the way.
This rom-com is basically a mash-up of every other movie you’ve seen before so don’t expect anything particularly “fresh.” It won’t stick in your memory either, feeling more like a greatest-hits reel of rom-com tropes. Still, Prime Video knows how to package a romantic flick that draws viewers in, and judging by its spot in the top 10, people are clearly watching.
As expected though, critics aren’t really impressed, with four out of six reviews on Rotten Tomatoes being negative. Guardian’s Benjamin Lee said: “There’s really nothing to see here, just another synthetic simulation of a film and a genre we used to love, less maintenance required and more complete overhaul.”
Casey Chong from Casey's Movie Mania stated that “even with Madelaine Petsch and Jacob Scipio’s charming performances, this rom-com seriously needs an overhaul.”
Blu-ray’s Brian Orndorf found something to enjoy though: “Some charm remains in the mix, with Petsch and her co-stars delivering a passable sense of enthusiasm for the material, which also delivers a few empowerment touches and odd comedy beats to help make routine palatable.”
At the end of the day, “Maintenance Required” delivers exactly what it promises: an easy, turn-your-brain-off watch for rom-com fans. You can slide into it without overthinking and enjoy the ride. That said, it’s hard to ignore the dialogue at times, which can feel stiff and almost AI-generated, and the story leans heavily on familiar tropes that feel like a checklist rather than a fresh take.
Still, there’s enough charm here to keep things afloat. The leads share a spark that makes the predictable moments easier to swallow, and their chemistry is genuinely enjoyable. If you’re looking for a light, breezy rom-com that doesn’t ask much of you but offers a few laughs and a bit of swooning along the way, “Maintenance Required” fits the bill.
Stream “Maintenance Required” on Prime Video now.
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